Are you finding your Suzuki DR650 a bit too tall for your comfort? If you feel like you’re tiptoeing at stops or struggling to find your footing on rough terrain, you’re not alone. Many riders face the same challenge, and lowering the suspension can make a world of difference.
In this article, you’ll discover practical steps to lower your DR650’s suspension, enhancing your riding experience. Not only will you gain confidence when stopping, but you’ll also enjoy improved handling and control. Let’s explore how you can make your bike fit you better and ride with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the Suspension: Knowledge of the Suzuki DR650’s suspension components, like forks and shocks, is essential for effective lowering.
- Benefits of Lowering: Lowering the suspension leads to improved stability, comfort, and control, making it easier to handle various terrains.
- Consider Riding Style: Tailor the suspension height to your specific riding style, ensuring comfort without compromising ground clearance.
- Evaluate Current Setup: Measure the bike’s current seat height and comfort level to gauge the need for adjustment.
- Choose Effective Methods: Options for lowering include adjusting fork height and installing aftermarket lowering links, both of which can significantly reduce seat height.
- Safety First: Always wear protective gear, work in a well-lit area, and ensure the bike is securely positioned while making any suspension adjustments.
Understanding Suzuki DR650 Suspension
Understanding the Suzuki DR650 suspension is essential for improving your riding experience. The suspension system affects how the bike handles various terrain and absorbs shocks. A tall bike can hinder your ability to reach the ground comfortably, impacting your confidence and control.
Suspension Components
- Forks: The front forks support the front end of the bike. They control how the front wheel responds to bumps and dips.
- Shock: The rear shock absorbs impact and maintains stability while riding. Adjusting the shock can considerably alter the bike’s stance.
- Seat Height: The seat height is largely determined by the combined height of the forks and rear shock. Lowering either component can reduce the overall seat height.
Benefits of Lowering Suspension
- Improved Stability: A lower center of gravity enhances balance during turns and stops.
- Increased Comfort: Lowering the suspension can make it easier for you to put your feet on the ground while stopped, especially in challenging conditions.
- Enhanced Control: With better footing, navigating obstacles becomes less daunting.
Considerations for Lowering
- Riding Style: Think about your riding style. If you favor off-road adventures, a certain amount of height may provide needed ground clearance.
- Weight Distribution: Lowering the suspension can change weight distribution, affecting handling. Make sure to test ride after adjustments.
- Future Modifications: Keep possible future upgrades in mind, as altering suspension height can limit certain modifications like larger tires.
- Evaluate Current Setup: Measure the current seat height and note your comfort level.
- Choose Lowering Options: Several options include changing the rear shock, adjusting fork height, or purchasing lowering links.
- Consult Technical Guides: Refer to Suzuki’s service manual for specific steps related to suspension adjustments.
By understanding these components and considerations, you’ll be better prepared to lower your Suzuki DR650’s suspension effectively.
Importance of Lowering Suspension
Lowering the suspension on your Suzuki DR650 plays a crucial role in enhancing your riding experience. It addresses challenges related to seat height, stability, and control, making your bike more comfortable and manageable.
Benefits of Lowering
- Improved Comfort: Lowering the suspension can significantly reduce the strain on your legs and back, especially during long rides. A lower seat height provides better leg positioning and easier foot placement.
- Increased Confidence: You’ll feel more grounded and stable with a lower center of gravity. This confidence translates into better handling, especially in tight turns or uneven terrain.
- Enhanced Control: Lowering your bike improves weight distribution, allowing for more responsive steering and quicker adjustments. You’ll notice better handling, particularly in challenging conditions like off-road tracks.
- Easier Mounting and Dismounting: Lower seat height simplifies getting on and off the bike, especially for shorter riders. It reduces the risk of tipping over when stopping.
- Reduced Ground Clearance: Lowering your suspension reduces the ground clearance, which can result in scraping your footpegs or undercarriage on rough terrain or during sharp turns. Be mindful of where you ride.
- Altered Suspension Performance: Lowering the bike changes its original suspension dynamics. The ride may feel stiffer or impact how the bike absorbs bumps. You might need to adjust shock and fork settings accordingly.
- Handling Changes: With changes to weight distribution, handling characteristics may vary. You may need to adapt your riding style, especially when cornering or navigating obstacles.
- Impact on Resale Value: Lowering modifications could influence the bike’s resale appeal. Some buyers prefer stock height, so consider this if you plan to sell your DR650 in the future.
By understanding these aspects, you can make informed decisions about lowering the suspension on your Suzuki DR650, ensuring a customized riding experience suited to your needs.
Methods for Lowering Suzuki DR650 Suspension
Lowering the suspension on your Suzuki DR650 can enhance comfort and control. Here are effective methods to achieve the desired height.
Adjusting Forks
- Loosen the Triple Clamps: Use a wrench to loosen the bolts on both the top and bottom triple clamps.
- Slide the Forks Down: Carefully slide the forks down through the triple clamps. A drop of 1 to 1.5 inches can significantly lower seat height.
- Secure the Bolts: Once positioned, tighten the triple clamp bolts securely to hold the forks in place.
- Inspect Alignment: Check the front wheel alignment to ensure it remains straight after adjustment.
- Lowering Links Installation: Consider purchasing aftermarket lowering links designed for the DR650. These links replace the stock ones and lower the rear suspension 1 to 2 inches.
- Remove the Rear Shock: Support the motorcycle, then remove the rear shock by loosening the bolts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct removal.
- Install Lowering Links: Attach the new links, ensuring they are securely fastened. Reinstall the rear shock, tightening the bolts to the specified torque.
- Adjust Rear Spring Preload: If applicable, adjust the rear spring preload to maintain proper suspension balance after lowering. Adjusting it can help improve handling and comfort.
Following these methods ensures a tailored riding experience on your Suzuki DR650 while addressing your specific needs.
Tools and Materials Needed
To lower the suspension on your Suzuki DR650, gather the following tools and materials. These items ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Tools
- Wrench Set: Use a metric wrench set for loosening and tightening bolts.
- Socket Set: A matching metric socket set works well for reaching tight spots.
- Torque Wrench: Ensure proper tightness by using a torque wrench.
- Fork Oil: Required for fork adjustments, choose the viscosity that fits your riding style.
- Pliers: Handy for removing clips and securing suspension components.
- Screwdrivers: Both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are necessary for various screws.
- Lowering Links: Purchase aftermarket lowering links specifically designed for your DR650.
- Suspension Fluid: Have enough fluid ready, especially if changing the fork oil.
- Replacement Seals: Consider new seals for the forks and shock, especially if they show wear.
- Rags: Keep rags nearby for cleanup and to avoid contaminating the fork oil.
Gathering these tools and materials streamlines the process of lowering your DR650’s suspension, ultimately enhancing your riding experience.
Step-By-Step Guide to Lowering Suspension
Lowering the suspension of your Suzuki DR650 enhances ride comfort and stability. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the desired height.
Safety Precautions
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and safety glasses when working on your motorcycle.
- Work in a Well-Lit Area: Ensure your workspace is well-lit to avoid accidents.
- Use a Stable Center Stand: Secure your bike with a center stand or lift to prevent it from tipping over while you work.
- Check Environmental Conditions: Avoid working in wet conditions or high winds that can interfere with the process.
- Gather Tools and Materials: Ensure you have all necessary items handy, including:
- Wrenches and socket sets
- Lowering links specific to DR650
- Suspension fluid
- Replacement seals
- Torque wrench
- Prepare the Motorcycle:
- Place the DR650 on a center stand or lift.
- Remove any accessories that may obstruct suspension access.
- Adjust the Front Suspension:
- Loosen the top fork clamps using the appropriate size wrench.
- Slide the forks down in the clamps to lower the front end. Aim for a uniform drop on both sides.
- Re-tighten the top clamps evenly to secure the forks in the new position.
- Install Lowering Links in the Rear:
- Remove the rear wheel by loosening the axle nut and then sliding the axle out.
- Disconnect the rear shock by removing the bolts on each end.
- Replace factory links with the new lowering links, ensuring precise alignment.
- Reattach the rear shock and wheel, tightening all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Refill Suspension Fluid (if applicable):
- Remove fork caps and drain old fluid.
- Replace with new suspension fluid suitable for your riding style and weight.
- Adjust air pressure if necessary.
- Check Overall Height and Balance:
- Stand the motorcycle upright and check the new height.
- Ensure that the bike feels balanced and stable.
- Conduct a Test Ride:
- Take a short ride to test the new suspension setup.
- Pay attention to any unusual behaviors or handling issues.
- Make Adjustments as Needed:
- If the ride isn’t satisfactory, reassess fork and link adjustments.
- Fine-tune as necessary for comfort and performance.
Following these steps carefully enhances your riding experience on the Suzuki DR650 by improving comfort and control.
Conclusion
Lowering your Suzuki DR650 can make a world of difference in your riding experience. By taking the time to adjust the suspension properly you’ll find improved comfort and control on the road or trail.
Remember that safety should always be your top priority. Follow the steps carefully and don’t hesitate to make adjustments after your test ride.
With a little patience and the right tools you’ll be ready to enjoy a more enjoyable ride tailored to your needs. Happy riding!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of lowering the suspension on a Suzuki DR650?
Lowering the suspension on a Suzuki DR650 improves comfort, control, and overall riding experience. It allows riders to have better footing, enhances balance during rides, and can contribute to a more enjoyable experience on different terrains.
How can I lower the front suspension on my DR650?
To lower the front suspension, you can adjust the forks by simply sliding them up in the triple clamps. It’s important to ensure that you maintain the proper height for the handlebars and that both sides are adjusted evenly.
What are aftermarket lowering links?
Aftermarket lowering links are specially designed components that can be installed on the rear suspension of the DR650 to lower the bike. They offer a more effective and adjustable way to lower your motorcycle’s rear, improving handling and comfort.
How do I install lowering links on my DR650?
To install lowering links on your DR650, you’ll first need to lift the motorcycle, remove the rear wheel, and then detach the stock links. After that, simply replace them with the new lowering links, making sure everything is secure before reassembling.
Are there safety precautions I should take when lowering my suspension?
Yes, it’s vital to follow safety precautions such as wearing protective gear, ensuring the motorcycle is securely lifted, and double-checking all adjustments before riding. Additionally, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid potential issues.
How can I check if my motorcycle is properly balanced after lowering the suspension?
To check balance, sit on the bike while it’s on level ground and see if it feels even. You should also ensure the suspension sag is within an acceptable range, and take a short test ride to feel if it handles correctly.
Will lowering my DR650 affect its performance?
Lowering the DR650 can enhance comfort and control, but it may affect handling characteristics. It’s essential to adjust your riding style and check for any changes in cornering ability, braking, and overall stability after the modifications.
